Daily · Free tool
Cheque Validity Checker
RBI's 3-month rule: a cheque is valid for 3 calendar months from the date written. Beyond that, it's "stale" — the bank will return it.
Valid for 92 more day(s) (until 17/8/2026).
How it works
Enter the date written on the cheque (top right) and today's date. We classify it as post-dated (future), current (within 3 calendar months), or stale (older than 3 months). The 3-month rule was set by RBI's circular DBOD.AML BC.No.47/14.01.001/2011-12 effective 1 April 2012, reducing the earlier 6-month limit.
Worked example
A cheque dated 12 February 2026 deposited at HDFC Bank on 14 May 2026 is still valid — exactly 91 days, just inside the window. The same cheque deposited on 15 May 2026 would be returned with reason code 28 (“Stale dated”). The drawer can simply revalidate by writing a fresh cheque; you cannot legally alter the date and re-bank, that's a Section 87 alteration which voids the instrument.
When to use this
- Verifying old security cheques held by a landlord or NBFC before depositing
- Checking post-dated EMI cheques given to a builder under a CLP plan
- Confirming a refund cheque from an insurance company before it goes stale
- Preparing for a Section 138 notice — the underlying cheque must have been live when presented
For digital alternatives that skip cheque-clearing altogether, see our IFSC code lookup for NEFT/RTGS transfers.
FAQ
What if the cheque is dated before today (back-dated)?
Back-dated is normal — it's just a cheque dated earlier than presentation. It's valid as long as the date is within 3 months of presentation.
Can I deposit a stale cheque?
The bank will return it with "cheque is stale-dated". Ask the issuer for a fresh cheque. Stale cheques have no legal value.
Is "Account Payee" crossing important?
Yes — "A/c Payee" means only the named payee can deposit, not transfer or cash. Removes the risk of theft / fraud. Always cross cheques you issue.